Box Score

Purchase, NY (Oct. 17, 2012) – Men's soccer celebrated Senior Night in style Wednesday, honoring the “Big Three” – seniors Adrian Vallejo, Dan Sanvitale and Robert Acosta – with a win in the final regular season home game of their collegiate careers. 

Purchase (6-7-1, 3-5 Skyline Conference) defeated visiting Yeshiva University 6-2 before the home crowd. Prior to the game, Sports Information Director Bobby Ciafardini presided over a special presentation, recognizing the three seniors. The three were presented with Senior Night certificates and will receive awards of appreciation later this year at the program's annual awards dinner.

Vallejo (SR/Pleasantville, NY), a three-year contributor and standout transfer, was remembered for his impeccable play in the midfield, and for being an anchor on a rebuilding program. Co-captains Sanvitale (SR/Rocky Point, NY) and Acosta (SR/Queens, NY) were also honored for helping turn around the program into a contender during their Panther careers. Sanvitale, who joined the team last fall as a transfer, established himself as one of the premier defenders in the conference during his two-year stint. Acosta, a four-year letter winner, enjoyed a great career in the midfield at Purchase. He too is credited with anchoring the program's turnaround, providing reliability and accountability at a defining position on the field.

“Ladies and gentleman, a big hand for our three seniors tonight. Gentleman, you are forever Panthers!,” Ciafardini concluded.

The pregame ceremony, which also included a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by singer Rose Coppola, paved the way for a high-scoring first period, which was highlighted by seven goals. Purchase scored two quick ones and led 4-0 before the Maccabees got on the board, striking for consecutive goals. The Panthers would add a penalty kick for the 5-2 halftime margin.

Andres Romero (JR/Port Chester, NY) opened with a score in the first 16 seconds. Teammate Chris Beckett (JR/Yorktown Heights, NY) would notch his first of the season shortly later. Romero would then score his eighth goal of the season and his second of the game for a commanding 3-0 lead. Stefan Gohler (SO/Brooklyn, NY) assisted on that goal. Purchase's Junior Sanguina (SO/White Plains, NY) pushed the lead to 4-0 on an unassisted score.

Yeshiva's Leon Aboudi made the game interesting, scoring two first-half goals and keeping the visitors in the contest.

But this evening – the men's soccer team's last at home unless they draw a playoff game at Purchase upon the conclusion of the regular season this weekend – would belong to them.

A foul in the box later in the first half provided Acosta with a PK opportunity, which he blasted into the back of the net, handing the Panthers a three-goal, halftime lead. Purchase continued its outstanding play in the second half, holding Yeshiva scoreless for the final 45 minutes.

Gohler added a second-half goal for good measure for the Panthers, capping the scoring at 6-2. 

In defeat, Yeshiva fell to 1-5 overall and 1-5 in league play.  

The Panthers outshot YU 27-15 for the game. Purchase will wrap the regular season this weekend at Old Westbury. They are currently in 7th/8th and could tie for the final conference playoff spot with a win against OW.